Pat Shortt and Stockton’s Wing frontman Mike Hanrahan set to release new RTÉ series

Entertainer and musician Pat Shortt is teaming up with Stockton’s Wing frontman Mike Hanrahan for the new series Songs of Ireland.

In each episode of the four-part series, the pair will take a musical road-trip around Ireland to uncover the history and significance of the country’s most popular songs, combining the richness of Irish music and culture.

This Saturday 27th ⁦@RTEOne⁩ 21:15 a brand new series Songs of Ireland with ⁦@Pat_Shortt⁩ & ⁦@mikehanrahan46⁩ on a musical road trip around Ireland singing, playing and laughing for perfect Saturday night telly! pic.twitter.com/yzh25VIb2i

— Dearg Films (@DeargFilms) April 23, 2024

They will also be performing some of these beloved songs across local venues around the country, accompanied by both new and established musicians in each county.

Shortt is an actor, comedian an entertainer known for his role as Tom in the series Father Ted, although it is for is role in the 2007 film Garage that he received the IFTA for Best Actor. He is however best known for his comedic music, such as his 2006 single 'Jumbo Breakfast Roll'.

Hanrahan's band, Stockton's Wing, is an Irish folk band formed in 1978 whose last notable gig dates back to 2023, where they performed at Forest Fest festival.

The first episode will kick off with a visit to Limerick, where the pair will meet rapper Willzee for a cover of ‘The Limerick Rake’.

Pat and Mike will also be joining forces with Asha Ari in Dublin, Dervish’s Cathy Jordan in Roscommon, the band Cronin in Co Westmeath and Eve Belle in Co Donegal,

Songs of Ireland is set to premiere on April 27 at 9:15pm on RTÉ One.